Seven officers of the Nigerian Air Force who lost their lives on Sunday after their aircraft crashed near Abuja airport were on a mission to rescue abducted students and staff of Government Science College, Kagara, Niger State, the House of Representatives has said.
House committee on air force in a statement on Sunday commiserated with the NAF and families of the victims of the ill-fated NAF Beechcraft King Air B350i aircraft.
Chairman of the committee Shehu Koko said: “We highly regret the loss of our gallant officers who apparently were on a mission to rescue the kidnapped students in Kagara community in Niger State.”
Koko said he witnessed the incident along with the chief of air staff Air Vice Marshal Isiaka Amao.
He said, “This is to confirm that a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft crashed while returning to the Abuja Airport after reporting engine failure enroute Minna. First responders are at the scene. Sadly, all seven personnel on board died in the crash. The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Oladayo Amao, has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.
“While mourn with families of the deceased, we urge Nigerians to remain calm and await the outcome of the investigation.”
